Rushworth signs new three-year contract

Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

Having joined the Seagulls in January 2019 from Halifax Town, the 19-year-old spent the season on loan at Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Worthing, who were flying at the top of the table before the season got cut short in April.

Now Rushworth is looking to be a regular for Simon Rusk’s under-23 side next season, as well as trying to break into the first team picture.

He said, “I am happy to have got the contract sorted and now I can work as part of the under-23s a lot more. Going out on loan has been really good, but I need to get some experience here and be in and around the club.

“I am looking to kick on with the under-23s and get a lot more game time next season, and maybe get some cup matches with the first team. Because I won’t be out on loan, I will be there if they need me. The game time is the most important thing for me.”

Having dropped out of the professional game after leaving Huddersfield at the age of 16, Rushworth joined hometown club Halifax for a year – an experience which he says has made him even more grateful of the opportunity he has had with Albion.

“I went from Huddersfield – where everything is looked after for you all the time – and dropped down a few levels to Halifax where the quality obviously isn’t as good, but I appreciated it a lot more when I did get back into professional football with Brighton.”

Lead academy goalkeeper and assistant Under-23 coach Shannon Ruth is delighted with how Carl has kicked on during his time at the club and is looking forward to seeing him develop further.

He said, “Carl has worked extremely hard since joining and this new contract is a reward for all his efforts and his positive performances out on loan at Worthing.

“This has been a successful season for Carl in his development – he dealt with his loan very well while still reaching the demands of training with our squads on a daily basis. We are extremely pleased with how Carl is developing and are looking forward to seeing what’s next for him.”